This is a book perfect for London crime fiction readers.
It features a group of 30ish followers of the London social life in present day London, and draws an interesting picture of the present London social scene.
Rupert comes from a wealthy family so attends one of the best public schools. He and the other characters were all great friends in their sixth forms (actually, they were more than friends).
Rupert made a habit of sleeping with the best-looking girls.
For his 30th birthday, Rupert has booked the second floor of the Kentish Town McDonalds for the party. He has told all the male guests to wear black tie and the girls to wear ball gowns. Another member of this illustrious family is Detective Caius Beauchamp, who was also public school educated, studying Ancient Greek.
While they party on munching Big Macs and Fries - Clemmie, a girl that both Rupert and Cauis have slept with (although Rupert's current girlfriend at the moment), is dying on Hampstead Heath.
Clemmie's best girlfriend is Nell, a talented artist and stylish dresser, who turns up at the party as instructed.
Everyone wonders where Clemmie is.
When Caius arrives at the party, he announces that Clemmie's body has been found on Hampstead Heath, and he is dealing with the matter akin to the modus operandi of a professional detective.
Caius has previously lectured everybody on the importance of reading the classics – not just the Greek ones he studied, but Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, and War and Peace; and takes charge.
The story leads to a gripping finish, though a tad depressing in its well-written examination of British societal class structures.
